AS Sierra Leone braces for its general election on Saturday, an estimated 3.4 million eligible voters are expected to cast their ballots. The incumbent President, Julius Maada Bio, is seeking a second and final term as frustrations mount over economic hardships faced by the country’s citizens. Alongside the presidential race, voters will also elect members of parliament and local councillors across the West African state.
This election marks the fifth presidential election since the end of the devastating 1991-2002 civil war, which resulted in the loss of over 50,000 lives, countless injuries, and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people. President Bio, 59, is considered the frontrunner in the race, facing competition from 13 other candidates. His primary challenger is Samura Kamara of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party, who narrowly lost to Bio in the previous 2018 election.
While the overall campaigning process has been relatively peaceful, sporadic incidents of election-related violence have occurred in ruling party strongholds in the southeast, particularly targeting the opposition. Samura Kamara voiced his concerns, saying, ‘They keep attacking us… by destroying our campaign posters and attacking our supporters.’ He added that his party office in the southern city of Bo was set on fire, and his convoy was attacked in another town.
Similarly, the ruling party has reported incidents of attacks on their supporters, both in the opposition’s northern stronghold and in the southern Pujehun District. Concerns have been raised about the violent rhetoric exchanged between the main parties during the campaign, causing unease among some voters. A student from the University of Sierra Leone, who requested anonymity, expressed fear over the ‘high level of hatred’ witnessed on social media from political extremists on both sides.
Last week, Samura Kamara called for the resignation of electoral commissioners, expressing doubts about their ability to conduct free and fair elections. The APC has engaged in discussions with the election management body and threatened to mobilise supporters to the streets on Wednesday if their demands were not met. Efforts are underway to resolve the situation and prevent any escalation.
During the campaign, Kamara’s party has criticised President Bio’s handling of the economy, particularly the issue of soaring prices. In response, the ruling party has attributed the country’s economic woes to external factors such as the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
As Sierra Leone prepares for the election, the nation hopes for a peaceful and inclusive process, enabling citizens to exercise their democratic rights. The outcome of this election will determine the country’s leadership for the next term, with a focus on addressing economic challenges and advancing the welfare of the Sierra Leonean people.
(with Reuters)
